Although it sounds like Nowitzki’s minutes and role will be heavily limited, it’s a huge boon to a Mavericks team that has been holding on for dear life without their star forward. The Mavericks enter the matchup with the Spurs only three games below .500 — a pretty big accomplishment considering the lack of scorers beyond O.J. Mayo on the roster.

If he’s right, Nowitzki is absolutely talented enough to change the landscape in the Western Conference and have the Mavs really compete for a playoff spot. Although he’s getting up there in age and his knees are a concern, Nowitzki’s game has never been reliant on speed or jumping ability whatsoever. It’s very well possible Nowitzki eventually returns to his All-Star level of play, but the Mavericks will wisely take it slow with their franchise player.